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William R. Freudenburg, a respected UCSB professor of environmental studies, has died. He was at home with his family at the time of his passing, which was around 4 p.m. on December 28.

A sociologist by training who had come to UCSB nearly a decade ago, Freudenburg — known simply as “Bill” to friends, family, and colleagues — recently published Blowout in the Gulf: The BP Oil Spill Disaster and the Future of Energy in America, which The Independent covered extensively here. UCSB’s environmental studies program also feted the professor’s career of scholarly achievements in the recent Freudenfest, which was held in November 2010. Read more about that here.

He leaves behind his wife, Sarah Stewart, and son Max. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the UCSB Foundation and designated for the Freudenburg Academic Development Fund, or just given to your favorite environmental cause. A memorial service will be announced soon.